Vice President of Operations – WAKUDA

Location Type: Remote: open to residents of any country

Industry:

Company: 50 Eggs Hospitality Group

Based in Dallas and reporting to the CEO of 50 Eggs Hospitality Group, the Vice President of Operations for WAKUDA will be critical in driving operational excellence, innovation, and expansion for this globally recognized fine dining brand. This role presents an opportunity for the right candidate to fast-track into a Head of Brand position.

The Vice President of Operations will lead a team of experts to deliver first-class, industry-leading dining experiences in both existing and new WAKUDA locations. The role requires a dynamic leader who can operate strategically and on the ground, ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, and brand integrity. With a strong background in fine dining and an understanding of Japanese cuisine, the VP of Operations will oversee all aspects of restaurant operations, including hospitality, guest experience, culinary excellence, business development, and expansion.

Primary Job Duties:

Duties include, but are not limited, to the following:

Leadership & Talent Development

• Model and uphold WAKUDA’s leadership behaviors and core values to cultivate craftsmanship, nurture connections, and celebrate excellence in hospitality.
• Partner with People & Culture teams to develop a comprehensive talent strategy that attracts, retains, and nurtures top industry talent.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop corporate and restaurant-level leadership, ensuring a pipeline of top-tier hospitality professionals.
• Foster a culture that embraces both traditional Japanese hospitality principles and modern luxury service expectations.

Vision & Strategy

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for food and beverage operations aligned with the WAKUDA brand identity and company objectives.
• Lead the evolution and execution of the restaurant experience across all locations, maintaining the highest levels of culinary and service excellence.
• Design and implement an operational strategy that ensures consistency, scalability, and profitability while preserving brand uniqueness.
• Create and execute a roadmap for brand expansion into new markets while ensuring the integrity of the WAKUDA experience.
• Ensure that restaurant concepts reflect the inspiration from Tokyo’s Golden Gai district, blending traditional and contemporary aesthetics to create an immersive guest experience.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure exceptional service and differentiation in guest experience across all WAKUDA locations, including high-touch interactions and an atmosphere that reflects both intimacy and energy.
• Develop and implement performance strategies to optimize quality, efficiency, and profitability in restaurant operations worldwide.
• Establish and enforce best-in-class operational procedures and service standards to drive excellence at all levels.
• Oversee digital strategy and technology integration (reservation platforms, POS systems, purchasing) in collaboration with IT and Finance to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency.
• Drive an environment of innovation in guest engagement, leveraging provocative art installations, modern Japanese design, and cutting-edge service techniques.

Business Growth & Development

• Engage and collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the Executive Leadership Team, to support expansion, concept development, and operational innovation.
• Evaluate real estate opportunities and participate in site selection, lease negotiations, and feasibility assessments for new locations.
• Partner with Marketing, Brand Development, and Public Relations teams to craft and execute brand-defining experiences, including high-profile activations, pop-ups, and collaborations.
• Establish strong relationships with external partners, including developers, licensees, and industry experts, to position WAKUDA as a leader in luxury hospitality.
• Develop strategic partnerships to elevate WAKUDA’s market presence and influence in the global fine dining scene.

Culinary & Brand Integrity

• Work closely with Culinary Leadership to ensure menu innovation aligns with the authenticity and creativity of Japanese cuisine.
• Deepen understanding of culinary trends, guest preferences, and competitive positioning to continuously refine WAKUDA’s offerings.
• Implement rigorous quality assurance programs to uphold the highest standards in food preparation, presentation, and service.
• Ensure the integration of WAKUDA’s exclusive omakase experience as a key feature of the brand’s culinary storytelling.

Financial & Performance Management

• Oversee P&L management, budgeting, and forecasting for all WAKUDA locations, ensuring financial health and growth.
• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational data to drive business decisions and performance improvements.
• Lead cost control initiatives without compromising brand quality, optimizing labor and food costs to drive profitability.
• Ensure that revenue enhancement strategies, such as VIP and bespoke dining experiences, contribute to brand elevation and business success.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a strategic and hands-on leader with deep expertise in luxury hospitality, fine dining operations, and business expansion. This executive should possess

• Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in fine dining, luxury hospitality, or restaurant group operations, with a proven track record of driving operational excellence.
• Extensive experience with Japanese cuisine or international fine dining brands, ensuring an authentic and elevated dining experience.
• A strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to scale a brand while maintaining operational integrity and excellence.
• A bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business administration, or a related field; an advanced degree (MBA) is preferred.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and lead high-performance teams.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing multi-unit P&Ls, budgeting, and cost controls.
• Proven success in new market expansion, including site selection, market research, and launch execution.
• Executive presence and strong communication skills, capable of influencing internal and external stakeholders, including board members, investors, and strategic partners.
• High adaptability and problem-solving ability, comfortable operating in fast-paced and rapidly evolving environments.
• Deep appreciation for Japanese hospitality, design, and culinary traditions, with a passion for blending authenticity with modern innovation.
• Willingness to travel 60-70% of the time to oversee national and international operations and ensure brand alignment across locations.

Why Join WAKUDA?

WAKUDA represents a refined, modern interpretation of Japanese dining, blending tradition with innovation. Inspired by Tokyo’s Golden Gai district, WAKUDA offers a bold, immersive, and sensory-driven dining experience with provocative art installations and a seductive ambiance. As Vice President of Operations, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s future, leading expansion efforts, and ensuring that WAKUDA continues to set the standard for excellence in luxury dining. If you are a visionary hospitality leader with a passion for world-class dining and brand development, we invite you to be a part of this exciting journey.